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Duodenal Polyp
Discover expert duodenal polyp care with Dr. Nghia Nguyen in Houston. Our specialized team provides comprehensive diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment, ensuring rapid recovery and personalized support. Whether you need screening, removal, or follow-up, trust GastroDoxs for gastrointestinal health management.
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Family history of polyps or gastrointestinal tumors
Chronic inflammation in the digestive tract
Genetic syndromes such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
Long-term use of NSAIDs
Age over 50
Signs and Symptoms
Often none in early stages
Mild stomach pain or abdominal cramps
Nausea or a feeling of fullness/bloating
Hidden bleeding, which may lead to anemia
Rarely, intestinal blockage if the polyp grows large
How Dr. Nghia Nguyen Diagnoses Duodenal Polyps
Dr. Nguyen uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He reviews your symptoms—especially epigastric pain, nausea, bloating or bleeding—as well as risk factors such as NSAID use, age over 50, family history of GI polyps or tumors, and genetic syndromes.
Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
A thin, flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth to directly visualize the esophagus, stomach and duodenum, allowing identification of any polyps or abnormal mucosal changes.
Biopsy
Using specialized forceps through the endoscope, Dr. Nguyen takes tiny tissue samples from suspicious growths to rule out dysplasia or cancer.
Imaging Studies
CT Scan: Provides a detailed cross-sectional view of the abdomen to detect larger or deeper lesions.
MRI Scan: Offers superior soft-tissue contrast when further characterization of a mass is needed.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
In selected cases, he may recommend endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to assess the depth of invasion or capsule endoscopy to survey the entire small intestine beyond the duodenum.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for duodenal polyps.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Tips
Eat small meals more often to ease digestion
Avoid spicy, greasy or highly acidic foods
Stay well hydrated with plenty of water
Include fiber-rich foods to support gut health
2. Medications
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce stomach acid
Iron supplements if bleeding has led to anemia
Scheduled follow-up endoscopies to monitor for new growths
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Endoscopic Polypectomy - removal of small to medium polyps during EGD
Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR) - lifting and removing larger or flat polyps
Surgical Removal - in rare cases of very large polyps, coordinated with GI surgeons
Dr. Nghia Nguyen, DO, is a board-certified gastroenterologist providing advanced digestive care in the Greater Houston area. He earned his medical degree from the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed both his Internal Medicine residency and Gastroenterology fellowship at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Nguyen specializes in treating conditions such as acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and liver disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is recovery after a duodenal polyp is removed?
Most patients feel fine and return to normal life in 1-2 days. Full healing may take 1-2 weeks.
Can the duodenal polyp come back?
It's possible, but rare. Dr. Nguyen schedules follow-ups to monitor you closely.
Can duodenal polyps become cancerous?
Most are harmless. Without removal, some types could turn cancerous over time.
Do I need to fast before my endoscopy?
Yes. You should not eat or drink for 6-8 hours before the test.
Is the procedure painful?
No. You'll be given sedation. Most patients say they feel fine afterward.
What are the costs of diagnosis and treatment?
Costs vary. Our staff will give you an estimate and help with insurance questions.
How often do duodenal polyps occur?
Only about 1-3% of people who undergo upper endoscopy have them.
